State Park
Classic comfort elevated to its highest expression
The Thoughtful Splurge — worth every penny
Upscale American diner with creative comfort food. Rotisserie meats, inventive sides, and extensive whiskey selection. Modern space with outdoor patio.
The Maitre d' Recommends
The Vibe
State Park brings Americana to Kendall Square with style and substance. The space evokes a midcentury roadhouse—leather booths, wood-paneled walls, and a massive whiskey collection behind the bar. It's comfort food elevated, where rotisserie chicken and fried chicken compete for your attention with an exhaustive brown spirits selection.
Energetic buzz—speak up a bit
Why It's Great
Where Kendall Square Goes for Real American Comfort Food
State Park opened in 2014 from the team behind Island Creek Oyster Bar, bringing a different energy to Kendall Square. Where their flagship celebrated New England seafood, State Park embraces American comfort food in all its glory—rotisserie meats, fried chicken, and the kind of hearty dishes that stick to your ribs.
The rotisserie program anchors the menu. Whole chickens spin slowly, emerging with crispy skin and juicy meat. The preparation seems simple, but the execution separates great rotisserie from merely good. Add the accompanying sides—potatoes, greens, house-made sauces—and you have a meal that satisfies like few others.
The whiskey collection deserves its own visit. Over 300 bottles line the back bar, from everyday pours to allocated rarities. The bartenders know their stuff and can guide you through American bourbon, rye, and beyond. For whiskey lovers, State Park functions as both restaurant and education center.
The Kendall Square location puts State Park at the center of Cambridge's innovation economy, and the clientele reflects it. Tech workers decompress over fried chicken, biotech teams celebrate milestones with whiskey flights, and everyone finds something to love on a menu built for sharing.
Rotisserie chicken with sides, shared family-style, with a whiskey flight to finish. It's American dining at its best.
Rotisserie Chicken
The star—perfectly crispy skin, juicy meat, simple and excellent
Fried Chicken
Crispy, juicy, served with honey and hot sauce
State Park Burger
A serious burger with dry-aged beef and all the fixings
Whiskey Flight
Choose your adventure through 300+ bottles
Why It's In Our Guide
State Park delivers elevated comfort food in a setting that's fun without being gimmicky. The rotisserie program is excellent, the whiskey collection is extraordinary, and the Kendall Square location makes it essential for the neighborhood.
“State Park proves that comfort food can be both familiar and excellent.”
— Boston Globe“The whiskey collection alone is worth the trip, but the rotisserie chicken seals the deal.”
— Boston MagazineKendall Square workers have adopted State Park for celebrations and after-work unwinding. The whiskey nerds trade recommendations, and the chicken devotees never stray.
Insider Tips
Early evening to avoid the after-work rush. Weekend brunch is popular but worth it.
Reservations recommended for dinner. Bar seating is first-come, first-served.
The leather booths are comfortable for groups. Bar seats offer access to the whiskey expertise.
The rotisserie chicken is the signature. Ask the bartender for whiskey recommendations—they know the collection.
Kendall Square garages are nearby. The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Kendall/MIT T.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 2,110 reviews
1,123 reviews
Updated 2024-12
987 reviews
Updated 2024-12
Frequently Asked Questions
State Park boasts over 300 whiskeys, primarily American bourbon and rye but including selections from around the world. The bartenders are knowledgeable and can guide you through flights, rare bottles, and everyday favorites.
Reddit Mentions
Contact Details
1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
Mon-Thu: 11:30AM-10PM, Fri: 11:30AM-11PM, Sat: 10AM-11PM, Sun: 10AM-10PM
3 min walk from Kendall/MIT
RedThe academic palate demands both substance and style.
“She was my Rushmore.”
— Herman Blume, on Cambridge dining